If Delouise Hoeter ever needs convincing that it isn't just a wild dream all he has to do is take his daughters for a drive.
The Brisbane centre has signed a two-year extension at the NRL club, his remarkable tale of perseverance rewarded after his career in rugby league looked over seven years ago.
Hoeter, who attended rugby league powerhouse Keebra Park High, graduated from the Wests Tigers under-20s to play seven NRL games for that club in 2015.
Then he went into the top-grade wilderness and played 115 Queensland Cup games for three clubs before ending a 2475-day exile from the NRL earlier this year when he played for the Broncos against Penrith in round six.
Brisbane had signed him on a one-year deal for 2022 from Wynnum-Manly but such was his impact on and off the field that Hoeter has secured a two-year extension through until the end of the 2024 season.
"I sat down and wrote some goals; one was to get signed before Christmas," Hoeter said on Thursday.
"But to get the two-year deal was something I never thought would happen after being out of the NRL for seven years.
"It's something I'm very grateful for; not just for me but my family.
"Whenever we drive past and see a Broncos logo or sign, they (my daughters) say, 'Dad, it's your team'."
Coach Kevin Walters said he was delighted the 28-year-old trainee teacher was part of his top squad.
"It is great for Delouise to get a new deal and wonderful for our playing group and staff because he brings so much to the club on and off the field," Walters told AAP.
"He is such a good role model and example for all of our players.
"He got a taste of success early in the NRL and there was a void there for a long time but he kept fighting, training and being a good person.
"He has now got his just rewards."
Hoeter impressed in his seven NRL games for the club this year and Walters said he brought a lot to the table as a player.
"Delouise is very reliable and consistent. You know what you are going to get from him when he runs out whether that is in the centres or on the wing," Walters said.
"I particularly like his strong ball carries. He is underestimated in that space and he makes really good decisions in defence."
